Paying bills on time and keeping credit account balances low aren't the only steps you can take to improve your credit score. Your monthly expenses may offer a hidden opportunity to rebuild your credit. While spending habits are often to blame for poor credit, it's possible to make them work for you instead of against you. Here's how. Sign up for free credit reporting bureau services. Many people...

In a seller's market, homebuyers must bring their "A" game when presenting a purchase offer. Areas with high demand and low housing inventory give buyers no choice but to submit offers that separate them from the crowd. An all-cash purchase offer can do exactly that. Sellers may even accept less than asking price for an all-cash offer since a real estate transaction untethered to lender financing...

When you're short on cash and need to cover an expense quickly, a payday loan could be a lifesaver. As long as you have a job, an active checking account, and meet minimum age requirements in your state, you might qualify for a cash advance on your next paycheck in as little as 15 minutes. But fast money isn't cheap. Payday loan interest rates could run in excess of 500%, depending on the lender...

Whether you're new to personal finance or just want to brush up on your knowledge, understanding lines of credit could help you make smarter financial decisions. Credit lines are one more tool in your financial arsenal that can help you reach financial goals sooner. But if misunderstood, they could cause lasting harm to your finances. When you can identify different credit lines, choosing the best...

Healthcare costs during retirement are much higher than most people expect. A recent Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate survey suggests that a 65-year old individual retiring in 2021 will spend approximately $150,000 on health care and medical expenses throughout retirement. Double that amount for couples. A health savings account (HSA) could make paying these costs more manageable. While HSAs...

The end of your lease is just around the corner. And, so is another rent increase. You're not alone if you're wondering how to keep housing costs down without moving – again. With housing being the largest expense in most households, achieving other financial goals becomes more difficult each time you sign a new lease agreement. Fortunately, you can reduce your those costs without packing a single...

Contactless payment systems, digital wallets, and peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps reduce the need to carry cash. Shoppers only need to preload credit or debit card information into their mobile device to experience incredible convenience. Saying “Yes” to virtual plastic and “No” to physical cash also provides fraud protection and simplified recordkeeping. Credit and debit cards often possess...